由 home-healthhaven 
Even if you don’t know much about kidney stones, you’ve likely heard that they can be incredibly painful. That’s why it’s important to understand how to prevent and treat them. Making some changes to your lifestyle and possibly taking medication can help stop kidney stones from forming. The treatment you need will depend on the size of the stones and how severe your symptoms are.
**What Are Kidney Stones?**
Kidneys filter waste from the blood and make urine. Sometimes, salts and minerals in the urine clump together to form stones. These stones can range in size from as small as a grain of sugar to much larger. Often, you won’t know you have kidney stones unless they block the flow of urine. If they move into the ducts leading to the bladder, the pain can be intense.
**Treating Kidney Stones**
Your doctor will choose the best treatment based on the type and cause of your kidney stone. Small stones can sometimes be passed by drinking plenty of water and taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Doctors might also prescribe alpha blockers to relax the muscles in the ureter, helping the stone pass more easily and with less pain.
If your kidney stones are too large, or if they cause bleeding, kidney damage, or infections, other treatments might be necessary. One common method is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This technique uses sound waves to create strong vibrations that break the stones into smaller pieces. ESWL is done under sedation or light anesthesia and usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
**Surgical Removal**
Another option is percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This involves surgically removing the stone through a small cut in your back. If ESWL doesn’t work, your doctor might suggest this procedure. It’s done under general anesthesia, and you’ll need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
For smaller stones in the ureter or kidney, a thin tube with a camera can be inserted through your urethra and bladder to reach the ureter. Tools can grab or break up the stone.
Another treatment option is parathyroid gland surgery. Sometimes, overactive parathyroid glands, located near your thyroid, cause high calcium levels and lead to kidney stones. Removing a small, benign tumor from one of these glands can stop the formation of stones. If another condition causes increased parathyroid hormone production, addressing that condition may solve the issue.
**Preventing Kidney Stones**
You can often prevent kidney stones by making lifestyle changes and taking certain medications. If you’ve had kidney stones before, it’s usually recommended that you drink enough water to produce about 2.5 liters of urine a day. Your urine should be light and clear. It’s also a good idea to limit foods high in oxalates, like sweet potatoes, tea, spinach, beets, and soy products. A low-salt diet with minimal animal protein can also help.
Kidney stones can be tough and painful to pass. If you can’t prevent them, rest assured that various treatment options are available, and your doctor can help find the best solution for you.